Dear Classmate, My name is Antoinette Johanna Murken, but everyone just calls me Toni Jo. My birthday is June 19th and this year I will be turning 18. I'm old for my grade because I went to private school from kindergarden until 7th grade, they wanted smaller class sizes so I got cut off until the next class. I switched schools after 7th grade, so that I'd know some peole before I got into high school. I have one older brother, Derek, he's four years older than me and Junior at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. I live with my mom and dad in beaverdale, with our dog Max. Some things I like to do in my free time is watch movies, hangout with friends and play wii. Another one of my favorite things to do is too go to our cabin just outside of Granger. We have fourwheelers, and canoes but my favorite thing to do is shoot. I have a pink 12g shotgun, 22 rifle, and a bow. I told my dad I wouldnt shoot unless he bout me something with pink on it. I love shooting even though we dont get out there very much. My mom's family owns a farm half ay between Lealand and Forest City, I love going up there we sold all our cows and farm animals this past fall but it's still one of my favorite places to be. I 'm in sharks and sheros at roosevelt and I also work at grounds for celebration. That's basically it! Thanks,Toni Murken Personal Reflection on Topic of Inquiry(posted January 27 -- Peer Response January 29) I went to pricate school fromt he time I was in kindergraden all the way up unti I was in 7th grade. My parents decided that I shoul d go to Merrill Middle school my eight grade year so that I could know some people before I got to high school. I live in Beaverdale, so to get into to the Roosevelt school distrcit I had to open enroll. My parents had a couple of friends from church that teach at Roosevelt and thought the transition from Mt. Olive to Roosevelet would be easier then going to Hoover. I can't tell you how scared I was to change schools, I was so used to being shealtered I didn't know how I would be able to change everything I'd become so comfortable with. I didn't know anyone from Merrill, not one person so walking into school the first day, I was so nervous. I walked into the cafeteria and sat downat a table in the middle of the room, imeddiantly a girl introduced herself. Her name is Alex Lidgett, and still to this day is one of the most friendly person I know. She introduced me to everyone I know now, her kindness allowed me the oppurtinity to be accepted into new friendships and grow into the person I am today. Kindness of people is the one thing that I can honestly say has changed my life, the hope that people can make the world by doing something good to a friend is inspiring. What kind thing can you do today?
Rough Draft Definition (posted February 3 -- Peer Response February 5) Kindness is a feeling like many others; happy, joyful and caring. Kindness creates a feeling of Underseveered attention, caring thoughts and friendly feelings. Mnay of us have felt this feeling and hopefully in turn have continued it's power. Beings kind can be a character trait , one that is highly deseriable. A person who is kind, always does the right thing and is always there when someone needs the, This can be anywhere from smiling at someone to volunteering on a regular basis. Someone who is kind is gentle and has a benevolent nature. They can sometimes be hard to come by, but when they are found can always make the world brighter.
Kindness allows for ones success in life, continuing to care for the ones around you, while building strong relationships with this in the future creates a happy life for yourself. Human nature has allowed for us to act kind in death, when our friends and family need us most. People need to be reassured that the world is good and by being kind to the people around you the world becomes a better place.
By being kind I have made friend with alot of poeple I porbably otherwise wouldn't have . My friends show this kindness to me and through thta I feel their support and love no matter what I am going through. For myself being kind, allows me a sense of accomplishment, knowing I did something to brighten someones day made it worth my time and effort. Being kind is a simple wat to change someone's outlook on life. It is a feeling of joyfulness and happiness acted out a afavor or kind behavior. Kindness is a friendly feeling, a liking as being a kind person.
Revision Definition (posted February 10 -- Peer Response February 12 )
Kindness is a feeling like many others; happy, joyful and caring. It creates a feeling of undersevered attention, caring thoughts and friendly feelings. Many of us have felt this feeling and hopefully in turn have continued it's power. Beings kind can be a character trait , one that is highly deseriable. A person who is kind, always does the right thing and is always there when someone needs the, this can be anywhere from smiling at someone to volunteering on a regular basis. Someone who is kind is gentle and has a benevolent nature. They can sometimes be hard to come by, but when they are found can always make the world brighter. Kindness allows for ones success in life, continuing to care for the ones around you, while building strong relationships with this in the future creates a happy life for yourself. Human nature has allowed for us to act kind in death, when our friends and family need us most. People need to be reassured that the world is good and by being kind to the people around you the world becomes a better place. "Kindnes blooms in the hearts of mature souls" to be kind one must be aware adn open to other people's feelings. A good friend can be someone who is kind, they know what kind of support you need and friendship when you need it the most.
By being kind I have made friend with alot of poeple I porbably otherwise wouldn't have . My friends show this kindness to me and through thta I feel their support and love no matter what I am going through. For myself being kind, allows me a sense of accomplishment, knowing I did something to brighten someones day made it worth my time and effort. Being kind is a simple wat to change someone's outlook on life. It is a feeling of joyfulness and happiness acted out a afavor or kind behavior. Kindness is a friendly feeling, a liking as being a kind person.
Final Definition (posted February 17 -- Peer Response February 19 )
Kindness is a feeling like many others; happy, joyful and caring. It creates a feeling of undeserved attention, caring thoughts and friendly feelings. Many of us have felt this feeling and hopefully in turn have continued its power. Being kind can be a character trait, one that is highly desirable. A person who is kind, always does the right thing and is always there when someone needs the, this can be anywhere from smiling at someone to volunteering on a regular basis. Someone who is kind is gentle and has a benevolent nature. They can sometimes be hard to come by, but when they are found can always make the world brighter. The world has become too interested in the sights and feeling of despair in the world, the opposite of kindness, cruelty it everywhere. Throughout our world today many will see and observe cruelty, harsh nature, bullying and other malignant acts more then we observe kindness. Cruelty has become a normal part of human nature and unfortunately it overacts kindness because of the deep emotional effects it leaves. Cruelty can hinder people’s ability to be kind to be one another because in order to be kind when someone is treating you badly your response is automatically to defend yourself and be cruel back, which is why it takes someone very mature and emotionally developed to face their remarks with kindness. As a person, this develops your character and emotional stability, kindness allows from you to know that emotionally and find in your self-worth that cruelty can never hurt you. Even though it emotionally stabilizes you, kindness plays many other roles throughout your life. It can allows for ones success in life, continuing to care for the ones around you, while building strong relationships with this in the future creates a happy life for yourself. Human nature has allowed for us to act kind in death, when our friends and family need us most. Many people experience this, receiving flowers from old friends, seeing people at the visitation and receiving cards from old friends makes a person feel well supported and loved by the people around them. People need to be reassured that the world is good, kindness always from human pathos to be compelled by what is kind. "Kindness blooms in the hearts of mature souls" to be kind one must be aware and open to other people's feelings. A good friend can be someone who is kind; they know what kind of support you need and friendship when you need it the most. Friendship can be the most kind and nurturing thing among all and even in the midst of great grief this still may remain, through kindness that person will always be there to support you. By being kind I have made friend with a lot of people I probably otherwise wouldn't have. My friends show this kindness to me and through that I feel their support and love no matter what I am going through. For myself being kind, allows me a sense of accomplishment, knowing I did something to brighten someone’s day made it worth my time and effort. Friendship has many cycles in which it plays into but the most is love and trust without this self-less contributions friendship could not be as powerful as it is to most everyone. Love and trust are huge components of kindness, love of the world and love of the people around you create the kind of person and persona you give off and you live your life daily. One’s life can change daily, completely dependent on other people in our live we need friendships, family and even strangers to build us to be the best we can be. Kindness is a great way to live life. As a character of kindness you can witness to others about the effects while still embodying the total essence of its power. Kindness is a power like none other it is a feeling of love, joy and compassion. It is a heart-jolting happiness acted out a favor or kind behavior. Kindness is a friendly feeling, a liking as being a kind person.
EXTRA CREDIT: 4TH REVISION OF DEFINITION ESSAY
Kindness is a feeling like many others; happy, joyful, and caring. It creates a feeling of undeserved attention, caring thoughts and friendly feelings. Many of us have felt this feeling and hopefully in turn have continued its power. Kindness is shared in many ways, through smiles, hugs, volunteering and many more kindness can be shared in any action. Being kind can be a character trait, one that is highly desirable. A person that is kind is always there when someone needs they provide love and support in any situation. This is gentle and has a benevolent nature. They can sometimes be hard to come by, but when they are found can always make the world brighter. Kindness allows others to be happy and share the joy of a nice action, stranger or friend the power if this emotion can overcome many things.
The world has become too interested in the sights and feelings of despair in the world, the opposite of kindness, cruelty it everywhere. Throughout our world today many will see and observe cruelty, harsh nature, bullying, and other malignant acts. Unfortunately, cruelty overacts kindness because of the deep emotional effects it leaves. It has become a normal part of human nature. Cruelty can hinder people’s ability to be kind to be one another, when someone is treated badly the automatic response it to be defensive and act cruel back; this is why it takes someone very mature and emotionally developed to face cruel remarks with kindness. As a person this interaction allows character development and emotional stability. Through kindness, one comes to understand their emotional strength and find self-worth in knowing that cruelty can never truly ruin you. It adds onto the fact that through others emotional despair one can repair damage made by healing it with kindness.
Even though it one gains emotional strength, kindness plays many other roles throughout your life. It can allow for ones success in life, continuing to care for the ones around you while building strong relationships creates a happy life. Human nature has allowed for us to act kind in death, when our friends and family need us most. Many people experience this, receiving flowers from old friends, seeing people at the visitation and receiving cards from old friends makes a person feel well supported and loved by the people around them. People need to be reassured that the world is good, kindness allows for human pathos to be compelled by what is kind. "Kindness blooms in the hearts of mature souls" to be kind one must be aware and open to other people's feelings. A good friend can be someone who is kind; they know what type of support you need and are there when you need them the most. Through my life my friends have become my support system and my guidance through rough times, in their kindness I am led to the right decision. Friends provide a sort of kindness that allows for trust, love, and reliability to develop. Friendship develops the character one becomes, in being surrounded by kindness in friends one can develop kindness in themselves.
Friendship can be the most kind and nurturing thing among all and even in the midst of great grief it still may remains. By being kind I have made friends with a lot of people I probably otherwise wouldn't have. My friends show this kindness to me and through that I feel their support and love no matter what I am going through. For myself, being kind allows me a sense of accomplishment, knowing I did something to brighten someone’s day made it worth my time and effort. Friendship has many cycles in which it plays into, but the most important is love and trust without these self-less contributions, friendship, could not be as powerful as it is to most everyone. Love and trust are huge components of kindness, love of the world and love of the people around you create the kind of person and persona you give off and how you live your life daily.
One’s life can change daily, completely dependent on other people in our lives we need friendships, family and even strangers to build us up to be the best we can be. Kindness is a great way to live life. As a character of kindness, one can witness to others about the effects while still embodying the total essence of its power.This has changed the relationships we have, and the perosn we become. Kindness is a power like none other, it is a feeling of love, joy and compassion. It is a heart-jolting happiness acted out a favor or kind behavior. Kindness is a friendly feeling, a liking as in being a kind person. A person of a kind nature displays character
Reflection #1 (posted February 20 -- Peer Response February 22)
I thought that this was a good concept to do an essy over, taking a worldly idea than turning it into a concept of essay writing was cool and gave me a different perspective on how to define a term and in turn how to write an essay. However, it was executed very poorly I feel like I was not well prepared enough in class to know how to write or structure an essay like this. Compared to our previus writing assignments I feel as if this one required a higher academic language and having our peers read over it was not constructive at all. Peer editing is one thing but my class doesnt know how my teacher will grade and even the most detailed rubic isn't going to specifically deal with the problems my paper may face. I think it was a good project just needs restructing for the next year to come.
Rough Draft Comparison (postedFebruary 24 -- Peer Response February 26 )
Cruelty and kindness are completely opposite things. Kindness demonstrates all the good things a human being can be while cruelty the malicious side, while both can be human actions they initiate opposite responses. Cruelty is showed through anger, hate and belittlement the reaction to this behavior or action never good. Often cruelty is met with cruelty, the actions receiver are often returned by the person involved, these emotions and actions affect the people around you and ultimately create a persona for the person and develop into your personality as well. Kindness creates the counter-affect that cruelty has, kindness is responded to by genuine happy feelings and overall well-being of both people involved. Kindness is also a characteristic demonstrated by actions or emotions, like cruelty it can also become part of your personality. Mother Theresa was a “kind person” through her charity and leadership she was kind, but she also showed her kindness in the actions she completed
Revision Comparison (posted March 2 -- Peer Response March 4) Cruelty and kindness are completely opposite things. Kindness demonstrates all the good things a human being can be while cruelty the malicious side, while both can be human actions they initiate opposite responses. Cruelty is showed through anger, hate and belittlement the reaction to this behavior or action never good. Often cruelty is met with cruelty, the actions receiver are often returned by the person involved, these emotions and actions affect the people around you and ultimately create a persona for the person and develop into your personality as well. Kindness creates the counter-affect that cruelty has, kindness is responded to by genuine happy feelings and overall well-being of both people involved. Kindness is also a characteristic demonstrated by actions or emotions, like cruelty it can also become part of your personality. Mother Theresa was a “kind person” through her charity and leadership she was kind, but she also showed her kindness in the actions she completed. Both of these contain many things that are alike, both characteristics if executed in a severe way can be widely publicized. Many of us have seen images on TV or new shows about the cruelty of animals or a shooting at a college; these show just how deeply cruelty can affect the world. The news of these horrible events causes many to raise awareness to cause change so that events like this cannot happen. Kindness is developed through this by events like these people come together for the greater good of the cause so that they can help and lend a hand. Things like these are well publicized too, the walk against breast cancer, Reggie’s sleep out and many other events show how well a community or person can demonstrated their kindness. Both of these initiate different responses and are very opposite things. Cruelty is the evil devil while kindness seems to be the angel, everyone fights to stay between the two sitting on your shoulder, these can help to describe your personality, actions your make, or emotions you give out. Cruelty is any belittlement, malicious action, or hate while Kindness is gentle, providing and supportive.
Good topic, though it could use some severe fleshing-out. You have some minor grammatical mistakes (showed should be shown, some confusing or incomplete sentences) but the main thing is you need to develop your argument and prove your point with concrete examples, which you started to do with Mother Theresa, animal cruelty, and acts of violence. but you need to expand on these issues and explain exactly WHAT is good or bad about them. also, i think you should investigate more into the true meanings of your terms. Is everything white or black? not everything can be either completely cruel, or completely kind. Why do people behave cruelly? what do they get out of it? I mean, think about a very common debate: euthanasia. Is it always cruel to take someone's life? even if they want to die? furthermore, who decides what is kind or what is cruel? I personally believe it depends on the intent of the actor. Bad guys in movies never believe they are being evil. They're always trying to help at least themselves. Adolf Hitler was simply trying to restore the former greatness of the state of Germany. Is that really so cruel? Okay, what's cruel about it? Delve further into the actual topic, and the many questions that could rise from it. Ethics have been studied since the days of Aristotle, and it's good that you're exploring them. Just think about it a lot. Lots of the things you said were a bit obvious. But there is a lot of potential here to create a mind-bottling essay. -Avery Zbieroski Final Comparison (posted March 9 -- Peer Response March 11)
Cruelty and kindness are completely opposite things. Kindness demonstrates all the good things a human being can be while cruelty, the malicious side while both can be human actions they initiate opposite responses. Cruelty is anything causing pain or suffering, being an action, personality trait or emotion this deliberately causes someone else harm. Kindness remains a self-less act of compassion, while still lying in the categories as cruelty this allows for people to understand human empathy while displaying thought and genuine feelings of happiness and benevolence. Cruelty is shown through anger, hate and belittlement the reaction to this behavior or action is never good. Often cruelty is met with cruelty, the actions received are often returned by the person involved, these emotions and actions affect the people around you and ultimately create a persona for the person and develop into your personality as well. Kindness creates the counter-affect that cruelty has, kindness is responded to by genuine happy feelings and overall well-being of both people involved. It is also a characteristic demonstrated by actions or emotions, like cruelty it can also become part of your personality. Mother Theresa was a “kind person” through her charity and leadership she was kind, but she also showed her kindness in the actions she completed. These actions shown create a kind person but they do not however define the character you are. Kind people may make cruel decisions and it does not always appear so crystal clear to see. Every situation cannot be deemed completely kind or completely cruel. In “Beloved” by Toni Morrison we read of a woman killing her children so that they would not have to live the same life she did in slavery. Is this then an act of cruelty as she took a life or an act of complete kindness out of the love and prosperity she wants for her children? Reasons and situations like these are why we are conflicted in our condemnation of these acts, selflessness of the actor yet cruelty of the child. Both of these contain many things that are alike, both characteristics if executed in a severe way can be widely publicized. Many of us have seen images on TV or new shows about the cruelty of animals or a shooting at a college; these show just how deeply cruelty can affect the world. The news of these horrible events causes many to raise awareness to cause change so that events like this cannot happen. Kindness is developed through this by events like these people come together for the greater good of the cause so that they can help and lend a hand. Things like these are well publicized too, the walk against breast cancer, Reggie’s sleep out and many other events show how well a community or person can demonstrated their kindness. Cruelty and Kindness develop a persona for the individual they are carried out by. As I develop as a human being I’ve made cruel and kind decisions, not intentionally but carried throughout my day. The decisions made have a counter positive or negative effects on the people around us, along with human morality the actions made are taken as being cruel or kind. I believe that if an action is cruel it is deliberately carried out with intent to harm by the person initiating it. Kindness remains constant in that it morally stabilizes human happiness and allows for compassion to be a part of everyday life. Both of these initiate different responses and are very opposite things. Cruelty is the evil devil while kindness seems to be the angel, everyone fights to stay between the two sitting on your shoulder, these can help to describe your personality, actions your make, or emotions you give out. Cruelty is any belittlement, malicious action, or hate while Kindness is gentle, providing and supportive. These aspects of humanity remain to play counter roles in our lives every day and consistently influence the choices we make.
EXTRA CREDIT: 4TH REVISION OF COMPARISON ESSAY
Cruelty and kindness are completely opposite things. Kindness demonstrates all the good things a human being can be while cruelty, the malicious side. Both can be human actions but initiate opposite responses. Cruelty is anything causing pain or suffering, being an action, personality trait or emotion this deliberately causes someone else harm. Kindness remains a self-less act of compassion, and allows for people to understand human empathy while displaying thought and genuine feelings of happiness and benevolence. Both of these traits can be shown in actions, thoughts and words.
Cruelty is shown through anger, hate and belittlement the reaction to this trait is never good. Often cruelty is met with cruelty, the actions received are often returned by the people involved, these emotions and actions affect the people around you and ultimately create a persona for the person and develop into your personality as well. Kindness creates the counter-affect that cruelty has, kindness is responded to by genuine happy feelings and overall well-being of both people involved. It is also a characteristic demonstrated by actions or emotions, like cruelty it can also become part of your personality. The persona one develops is created through how situations are handled, no matter what one has the choice to react in a kind manner or respond with a vile cruel response. In every conversation, action, and thought we have the choice to make this decision. Through friends and family one’s character is developed, surrounding oneself with those who are kind and compassionate will provide one with the strength to develop the kindness for others within themselves.
Mother Theresa was a “kind person” through her charity and leadership she became a role model and developed the trait of kindness; however she also showed this in the actions she completed. These actions shown create a kind person but they do not however define the character you are. Kind people may make cruel decisions and it does not always appear so crystal clear to see. Every situation cannot be deemed completely kind or completely cruel. In “Beloved” by Toni Morrison we read of a woman killing her children so that they would not have to live the same life she did in slavery. Is this then an act of cruelty as she took a life or an act of complete kindness out of the love and prosperity she wants for her children? Reasons and situations like these are why we are conflicted in our condemnation of these acts, selflessness of the actor yet cruelty of the child. The morality of world issues and emotional connection make these situations complicated. Through both kindness and cruelty one is conflicted with a combination in the actions they respond with. Not condemning one for actions that in our eyes seem horrifying yet to theirs seem normal may be an act of kindness in itself.
Both of these contain many things that are alike, both characteristics if executed in a severe way can be widely publicized. Many of us have seen images on TV or new shows about the cruelty of animals or a shooting at a college; these show just how deeply cruelty can affect the world. The news of these horrible events causes many to raise awareness to cause change so that events like this cannot happen. Kindness is developed through this by events like these people come together for the greater good of the cause so that they can help and lend a hand. Things like these are well publicized too, the walk against breast cancer, Reggie’s sleep out and many other events show how well a community or person can demonstrated their kindness. In a twisted way, cruelty allows kindness to become more prevalent in society. Although there was a tragedy maybe it brought attention to an issue that was otherwise unnoticed. In kindness compassion and love are displayed, through these many may find healing in the midst of great loss.
Cruelty and Kindness develop a persona for the individual they are carried out by. As I develop as a human being I’ve made cruel and kind decisions, not intentionally but carried out in my day. The decisions made have a counter positive or negative effects on the people around us, along with human morality the actions made are taken as being cruel or kind. However, that does not mean I’m a cruel person. Everyone makes mistakes and regrets things that they have done, this is why such things as forgiveness and grace are around. In kindness, one is allowed the ability to forgive those who have been cruel and in grace move on from what has happened in the past. Kindness remains constant in that it morally stabilizes human happiness and allows for compassion to be a part of everyday life.
Both of these initiate different responses and are very opposite things. Cruelty is the evil devil while kindness seems to be the angel, everyone fights to stay between the two sitting on your shoulder, these can help to describe your personality, actions your make, or emotions you give out. Cruelty is any belittlement, malicious action, or hate while Kindness is gentle, providing and supportive. These aspects of humanity remain to play counter roles in our lives every day and consistently influence the choices we make.
Reflection #2 (posted March 16 -- Peer Response March 25)
I think that this essay was a good building essay to do off the last one. I felt like essay was hard to structure because we never really learmed how to affectly influence the audience to understand the points we are trying to make.I got confused when i was writing it myself because my points go back and forth so many times.
I feel like we need more feedback and time to revise not by our peers because no one knows how to do it or cares enough to do it. Rough Draft Argument (posted April 6 -- Peer Response April 8)
Kindness is greatly displayed through acts of charity, in philanthropic volunteering and giving money to fund others work, it remains a key component to keeping charities going. However, kindness can be corruptive in the idea of charity. In many ways one can be promoting their own agenda instead of wanting to serve the good of the people they are helping. Those ideas and reasons for contributing change the idea and selflessness of volunteering into an idea it shouldn’t be.
In many charity cases there are religious aspects, promoting religion is the number one type of charity work in America today, these people wouldn’t necessary be helping if they weren’t trying to persuade people into their beliefs. Mission trips to Africa, building school and spreading gospel while fixing food allows for a window into these peoples’ lives. The role of mission work allows for believers to share the good work of god while also providing a reason for the generosity. Others many use charity to make themselves feel better, do they volunteer because they care about random strangers they will never see again? Or is it because of the article that came out last week stating your lifestyle and life expectancy will be longer if you volunteer more? The true fact is, there are lots of good people who want to help and share their caring nature with those in need, but after a long day of volunteer work you feel good about yourself. This is the reason I believe many continue to volunteer. Of course helping those in true need will make you feel good and give you a great satisfaction, yet isn’t it that same satisfaction that make you go back the next week to continue. Many reasons provide adequate for those to go back and still more people give money every year to get more tax right offs.
Kindness is a selfless act, carried out by love and generosity. In volunteering these same factors should remain. Today, society has made charity out to be a ‘good feeling’ not understanding the real meaning and true affect it has we are played into the selfish thing our world has made it. Kindness has been corrupted through thoughts and ideas contained within volunteering and how the America portrays it. Revision Argument (posted April 13 -- Peer Response April 15)
Kindness is greatly displayed through acts of charity, in philanthropic volunteering and giving money to fund others work, it remains a key component to keeping charities going. However, it can be corruptive in the idea of charity. In many ways one can be promoting their own agenda instead of wanting to serve the good of the people they are helping. An act of charity should be helping others out of the goodness of one’s heart. Those ideas and reasons for contributing change the idea and selflessness of volunteering into an idea it shouldn’t be.
In many charity cases there are religious aspects, promoting religion is the number one type of charity work in America today, these people wouldn’t necessary be helping if they weren’t trying to persuade people into their beliefs. Mission trips to Africa, building religious schools and spreading gospel while fixing food allows for a window into these peoples’ lives. The role of mission work allows for believers to share the good work of god while also providing a reason for their generosity. Others may use charity to make themselves feel better, do they volunteer because they care about random strangers they will never see again? The graciousness of these people allows for the good of the cause to be accomplished, is that what we want though. If the ultimate goal is to feed one thousand people, does it matter what the volunteers does it really matter why the volunteers are there to serve them? The point of volunteer work is not only to create a better life for those your helping, but make a change within oneself.
As I’ve volunteered over the years, I can without a doubt say that volunteering with an open caring heart changed me. Once you put yourself in that situation to help others, you can look at yourself and see how selfish you have become. To do it because you feel good about yourself is not justified to do it in my view. The work I do through Sheroes, Sharks and through my church has allowed me to build and know kindness through the work I do.
The true fact is, there are lots of good people who want to help and share their caring nature with those in need, but after a long day of volunteer work you feel good about yourself. This is the reason I believe many continue to volunteer. Of course helping those in true need will make you feel good and give you a great satisfaction, yet isn’t it that same satisfaction that make you go back the next week to continue. Many reasons provide adequate for those to go back and still more people give money every year to get more tax right offs. Charity is one thing that remains a constant thing in our world everyone needs help somewhere along the line, the reasons to become a volunteer should be just to help them out of the kindness of ones heart.
Kindness is a selfless act, carried out by love and generosity. In volunteering these same factors should remain. Today, society has made charity out to be a ‘good feeling’ not understanding the real meaning and true affect it has we are played into the selfish thing our world has made it. Everyone can volunteer but the reasons you do it should be out of the generousity of your heart, not for a prior motive. Kindness has been corrupted through thoughts and ideas contained within volunteering and how the America portrays it. Final Argument (posted April 20 -- Peer Response April 23)
Kindness is greatly displayed through acts of charity, in philanthropic volunteering and giving money to fund others work, it remains a key component to keeping charities going. However,kindness can be corruptive in the idea of charity. In many ways one can be promoting their own agenda instead of wanting to serve the good of the people they are helping. An act of charity should be helping others out of the goodness of one’s heart. Those ideas and reasons for contributing change the idea and selflessness of volunteering into an idea it shouldn’t be.
In many charity cases there are religious aspects, promoting religion is the number one type of charity work in America today, these people wouldn’t necessarily be helping if they weren’t trying to persuade people into their beliefs. Mission trips to Africa, building religious schools and spreading gospel while fixing food allows for a window into these peoples’ lives. The role of mission work allows for believers to share the good work of god while also providing a reason for their generosity. By appealing to strangers that kindness is a major component in their faith many may find these acts even more convincing then the scripture itself.
The true fact is, there are lots of good people who want to help and share their caring nature with those in need, but after a long day of volunteer work you feel good about yourself. This is the reason I believe many continue to volunteer. Of course helping those in true need will make you feel good and give you a great satisfaction, yet isn’t it that same satisfaction that make you go back the next week to continue.Others may use charity to make themselves feel better, do they volunteer because they care about random strangers they will never see again? Many reasons provide adequate for those to go back and still more people give money every year to get more tax right offs.
The graciousness of these people allows for the good of the cause to be accomplished, is that what we want though. If the ultimate goal is to feed one thousand people, does it matter what the volunteers does it really matter why the volunteers are there to serve them? The point of volunteer work is not only to create a better life for those your helping, but make a change within oneself. Charity is one thing that remains a constant thing in our world everyone needs help somewhere along the line, the reasons to become a volunteer should be just to help them out of the kindness of ones heart.
As I’ve volunteered over the years, I can without a doubt say that volunteering with an open caring heart changed me. Once you put yourself in that situation to help others, you can look at yourself and see how selfish you have become. To do it because you feel good about yourself is not justified to do it in my view. Volunteer work is what this should spark in people, these sense of kindness within your character and the act of doing it onto others.The work I do through Sheroes, Sharks and through my church has allowed me to build and know this kindness through the work I do.
Kindness is a selfless act, carried out by love and generosity. In volunteering these same factors should remain. Today, society has made charity out to be a ‘good feeling’ not understanding the real meaning and true affect it has we are played into the selfish thing our world has made it. Everyone can volunteer but the reasons you do it should be out of the generousity of your heart, not for a prior motive. Kindness has been corrupted through thoughts and ideas contained within volunteering and how the America portrays it.
Reflection #3 (posted April 23)
This essay was harder for me to do because of the claim and counter claims This was har because we had to find evidence and with my topic it was hard to find a contraversary topic. Also this was hard to keep the consistant point provent through the entire essay.
Dear Classmate,
My name is Antoinette Johanna Murken, but everyone just calls me Toni Jo. My birthday is June 19th and this year I will be turning 18. I'm old for my grade because I went to private school from kindergarden until 7th grade, they wanted smaller class sizes so I got cut off until the next class. I switched schools after 7th grade, so that I'd know some peole before I got into high school. I have one older brother, Derek, he's four years older than me and Junior at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. I live with my mom and dad in beaverdale, with our dog Max.
Some things I like to do in my free time is watch movies, hangout with friends and play wii. Another one of my favorite things to do is too go to our cabin just outside of Granger. We have fourwheelers, and canoes but my favorite thing to do is shoot. I have a pink 12g shotgun, 22 rifle, and a bow. I told my dad I wouldnt shoot unless he bout me something with pink on it. I love shooting even though we dont get out there very much. My mom's family owns a farm half ay between Lealand and Forest City, I love going up there we sold all our cows and farm animals this past fall but it's still one of my favorite places to be. I 'm in sharks and sheros at roosevelt and I also work at grounds for celebration. That's basically it!
Thanks,Toni Murken
Personal Reflection on Topic of Inquiry(posted January 27 -- Peer Response January 29)
I went to pricate school fromt he time I was in kindergraden all the way up unti I was in 7th grade. My parents decided that I shoul d go to Merrill Middle school my eight grade year so that I could know some people before I got to high school. I live in Beaverdale, so to get into to the Roosevelt school distrcit I had to open enroll. My parents had a couple of friends from church that teach at Roosevelt and thought the transition from Mt. Olive to Roosevelet would be easier then going to Hoover. I can't tell you how scared I was to change schools, I was so used to being shealtered I didn't know how I would be able to change everything I'd become so comfortable with. I didn't know anyone from Merrill, not one person so walking into school the first day, I was so nervous. I walked into the cafeteria and sat downat a table in the middle of the room, imeddiantly a girl introduced herself. Her name is Alex Lidgett, and still to this day is one of the most friendly person I know. She introduced me to everyone I know now, her kindness allowed me the oppurtinity to be accepted into new friendships and grow into the person I am today. Kindness of people is the one thing that I can honestly say has changed my life, the hope that people can make the world by doing something good to a friend is inspiring. What kind thing can you do today?
Rough Draft Definition (posted February 3 -- Peer Response February 5)
Kindness is a feeling like many others; happy, joyful and caring. Kindness creates a feeling of Underseveered attention, caring thoughts and friendly feelings. Mnay of us have felt this feeling and hopefully in turn have continued it's power. Beings kind can be a character trait , one that is highly deseriable. A person who is kind, always does the right thing and is always there when someone needs the, This can be anywhere from smiling at someone to volunteering on a regular basis. Someone who is kind is gentle and has a benevolent nature. They can sometimes be hard to come by, but when they are found can always make the world brighter.
Kindness allows for ones success in life, continuing to care for the ones around you, while building strong relationships with this in the future creates a happy life for yourself. Human nature has allowed for us to act kind in death, when our friends and family need us most. People need to be reassured that the world is good and by being kind to the people around you the world becomes a better place.
By being kind I have made friend with alot of poeple I porbably otherwise wouldn't have . My friends show this kindness to me and through thta I feel their support and love no matter what I am going through. For myself being kind, allows me a sense of accomplishment, knowing I did something to brighten someones day made it worth my time and effort. Being kind is a simple wat to change someone's outlook on life. It is a feeling of joyfulness and happiness acted out a afavor or kind behavior. Kindness is a friendly feeling, a liking as being a kind person.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/kindness
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/kind
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2172
http://susanthom.wrytestuff.com/swa320304.htm
Revision Definition (posted February 10 -- Peer Response February 12 )
Kindness is a feeling like many others; happy, joyful and caring. It creates a feeling of undersevered attention, caring thoughts and friendly feelings. Many of us have felt this feeling and hopefully in turn have continued it's power. Beings kind can be a character trait , one that is highly deseriable. A person who is kind, always does the right thing and is always there when someone needs the, this can be anywhere from smiling at someone to volunteering on a regular basis. Someone who is kind is gentle and has a benevolent nature. They can sometimes be hard to come by, but when they are found can always make the world brighter.
Kindness allows for ones success in life, continuing to care for the ones around you, while building strong relationships with this in the future creates a happy life for yourself. Human nature has allowed for us to act kind in death, when our friends and family need us most. People need to be reassured that the world is good and by being kind to the people around you the world becomes a better place. "Kindnes blooms in the hearts of mature souls" to be kind one must be
aware adn open to other people's feelings. A good friend can be someone who is kind, they know what kind of support you need and friendship when you need it the most.
By being kind I have made friend with alot of poeple I porbably otherwise wouldn't have . My friends show this kindness to me and through thta I feel their support and love no matter what I am going through. For myself being kind, allows me a sense of accomplishment, knowing I did something to brighten someones day made it worth my time and effort. Being kind is a simple wat to change someone's outlook on life. It is a feeling of joyfulness and happiness acted out a afavor or kind behavior. Kindness is a friendly feeling, a liking as being a kind person.
Final Definition (posted February 17 -- Peer Response February 19 )
Kindness is a feeling like many others; happy, joyful and caring. It creates a feeling of undeserved attention, caring thoughts and friendly feelings. Many of us have felt this feeling and hopefully in turn have continued its power. Being kind can be a character trait, one that is highly desirable. A person who is kind, always does the right thing and is always there when someone needs the, this can be anywhere from smiling at someone to volunteering on a regular basis. Someone who is kind is gentle and has a benevolent nature. They can sometimes be hard to come by, but when they are found can always make the world brighter.
The world has become too interested in the sights and feeling of despair in the world, the opposite of kindness, cruelty it everywhere. Throughout our world today many will see and observe cruelty, harsh nature, bullying and other malignant acts more then we observe kindness. Cruelty has become a normal part of human nature and unfortunately it overacts kindness because of the deep emotional effects it leaves. Cruelty can hinder people’s ability to be kind to be one another because in order to be kind when someone is treating you badly your response is automatically to defend yourself and be cruel back, which is why it takes someone very mature and emotionally developed to face their remarks with kindness. As a person, this develops your character and emotional stability, kindness allows from you to know that emotionally and find in your self-worth that cruelty can never hurt you.
Even though it emotionally stabilizes you, kindness plays many other roles throughout your life. It can allows for ones success in life, continuing to care for the ones around you, while building strong relationships with this in the future creates a happy life for yourself. Human nature has allowed for us to act kind in death, when our friends and family need us most. Many people experience this, receiving flowers from old friends, seeing people at the visitation and receiving cards from old friends makes a person feel well supported and loved by the people around them. People need to be reassured that the world is good, kindness always from human pathos to be compelled by what is kind. "Kindness blooms in the hearts of mature souls" to be kind one must be aware and open to other people's feelings. A good friend can be someone who is kind; they know what kind of support you need and friendship when you need it the most.
Friendship can be the most kind and nurturing thing among all and even in the midst of great grief this still may remain, through kindness that person will always be there to support you. By being kind I have made friend with a lot of people I probably otherwise wouldn't have. My friends show this kindness to me and through that I feel their support and love no matter what I am going through. For myself being kind, allows me a sense of accomplishment, knowing I did something to brighten someone’s day made it worth my time and effort. Friendship has many cycles in which it plays into but the most is love and trust without this self-less contributions friendship could not be as powerful as it is to most everyone. Love and trust are huge components of kindness, love of the world and love of the people around you create the kind of person and persona you give off and you live your life daily.
One’s life can change daily, completely dependent on other people in our live we need friendships, family and even strangers to build us to be the best we can be. Kindness is a great way to live life. As a character of kindness you can witness to others about the effects while still embodying the total essence of its power. Kindness is a power like none other it is a feeling of love, joy and compassion. It is a heart-jolting happiness acted out a favor or kind behavior. Kindness is a friendly feeling, a liking as being a kind person.
EXTRA CREDIT: 4TH REVISION OF DEFINITION ESSAY
Kindness is a feeling like many others; happy, joyful, and caring. It creates a feeling of undeserved attention, caring thoughts and friendly feelings. Many of us have felt this feeling and hopefully in turn have continued its power. Kindness is shared in many ways, through smiles, hugs, volunteering and many more kindness can be shared in any action. Being kind can be a character trait, one that is highly desirable. A person that is kind is always there when someone needs they provide love and support in any situation. This is gentle and has a benevolent nature. They can sometimes be hard to come by, but when they are found can always make the world brighter. Kindness allows others to be happy and share the joy of a nice action, stranger or friend the power if this emotion can overcome many things.
The world has become too interested in the sights and feelings of despair in the world, the opposite of kindness, cruelty it everywhere. Throughout our world today many will see and observe cruelty, harsh nature, bullying, and other malignant acts. Unfortunately, cruelty overacts kindness because of the deep emotional effects it leaves. It has become a normal part of human nature. Cruelty can hinder people’s ability to be kind to be one another, when someone is treated badly the automatic response it to be defensive and act cruel back; this is why it takes someone very mature and emotionally developed to face cruel remarks with kindness. As a person this interaction allows character development and emotional stability. Through kindness, one comes to understand their emotional strength and find self-worth in knowing that cruelty can never truly ruin you. It adds onto the fact that through others emotional despair one can repair damage made by healing it with kindness.
Even though it one gains emotional strength, kindness plays many other roles throughout your life. It can allow for ones success in life, continuing to care for the ones around you while building strong relationships creates a happy life. Human nature has allowed for us to act kind in death, when our friends and family need us most. Many people experience this, receiving flowers from old friends, seeing people at the visitation and receiving cards from old friends makes a person feel well supported and loved by the people around them. People need to be reassured that the world is good, kindness allows for human pathos to be compelled by what is kind. "Kindness blooms in the hearts of mature souls" to be kind one must be aware and open to other people's feelings. A good friend can be someone who is kind; they know what type of support you need and are there when you need them the most. Through my life my friends have become my support system and my guidance through rough times, in their kindness I am led to the right decision. Friends provide a sort of kindness that allows for trust, love, and reliability to develop. Friendship develops the character one becomes, in being surrounded by kindness in friends one can develop kindness in themselves.
Friendship can be the most kind and nurturing thing among all and even in the midst of great grief it still may remains. By being kind I have made friends with a lot of people I probably otherwise wouldn't have. My friends show this kindness to me and through that I feel their support and love no matter what I am going through. For myself, being kind allows me a sense of accomplishment, knowing I did something to brighten someone’s day made it worth my time and effort. Friendship has many cycles in which it plays into, but the most important is love and trust without these self-less contributions, friendship, could not be as powerful as it is to most everyone. Love and trust are huge components of kindness, love of the world and love of the people around you create the kind of person and persona you give off and how you live your life daily.
One’s life can change daily, completely dependent on other people in our lives we need friendships, family and even strangers to build us up to be the best we can be. Kindness is a great way to live life. As a character of kindness, one can witness to others about the effects while still embodying the total essence of its power.This has changed the relationships we have, and the perosn we become. Kindness is a power like none other, it is a feeling of love, joy and compassion. It is a heart-jolting happiness acted out a favor or kind behavior. Kindness is a friendly feeling, a liking as in being a kind person. A person of a kind nature displays character
Reflection #1 (posted February 20 -- Peer Response February 22)I thought that this was a good concept to do an essy over, taking a worldly idea than turning it into a concept of essay writing was cool and gave me a different perspective on how to define a term and in turn how to write an essay. However, it was executed very poorly I feel like I was not well prepared enough in class to know how to write or structure an essay like this. Compared to our previus writing assignments I feel as if this one required a higher academic language and having our peers read over it was not constructive at all. Peer editing is one thing but my class doesnt know how my teacher will grade and even the most detailed rubic isn't going to specifically deal with the problems my paper may face. I think it was a good project just needs restructing for the next year to come.
Rough Draft Comparison (postedFebruary 24 -- Peer Response February 26 )
Cruelty and kindness are completely opposite things. Kindness demonstrates all the good things a human being can be while cruelty the malicious side, while both can be human actions they initiate opposite responses. Cruelty is showed through anger, hate and belittlement the reaction to this behavior or action never good. Often cruelty is met with cruelty, the actions receiver are often returned by the person involved, these emotions and actions affect the people around you and ultimately create a persona for the person and develop into your personality as well. Kindness creates the counter-affect that cruelty has, kindness is responded to by genuine happy feelings and overall well-being of both people involved. Kindness is also a characteristic demonstrated by actions or emotions, like cruelty it can also become part of your personality. Mother Theresa was a “kind person” through her charity and leadership she was kind, but she also showed her kindness in the actions she completed
Revision Comparison (posted March 2 -- Peer Response March 4)
Cruelty and kindness are completely opposite things. Kindness demonstrates all the good things a human being can be while cruelty the malicious side, while both can be human actions they initiate opposite responses.
Cruelty is showed through anger, hate and belittlement the reaction to this behavior or action never good. Often cruelty is met with cruelty, the actions receiver are often returned by the person involved, these emotions and actions affect the people around you and ultimately create a persona for the person and develop into your personality as well. Kindness creates the counter-affect that cruelty has, kindness is responded to by genuine happy feelings and overall well-being of both people involved. Kindness is also a characteristic demonstrated by actions or emotions, like cruelty it can also become part of your personality. Mother Theresa was a “kind person” through her charity and leadership she was kind, but she also showed her kindness in the actions she completed.
Both of these contain many things that are alike, both characteristics if executed in a severe way can be widely publicized. Many of us have seen images on TV or new shows about the cruelty of animals or a shooting at a college; these show just how deeply cruelty can affect the world. The news of these horrible events causes many to raise awareness to cause change so that events like this cannot happen. Kindness is developed through this by events like these people come together for the greater good of the cause so that they can help and lend a hand. Things like these are well publicized too, the walk against breast cancer, Reggie’s sleep out and many other events show how well a community or person can demonstrated their kindness.
Both of these initiate different responses and are very opposite things. Cruelty is the evil devil while kindness seems to be the angel, everyone fights to stay between the two sitting on your shoulder, these can help to describe your personality, actions your make, or emotions you give out. Cruelty is any belittlement, malicious action, or hate while Kindness is gentle, providing and supportive.
Good topic, though it could use some severe fleshing-out. You have some minor grammatical mistakes (showed should be shown, some confusing or incomplete sentences) but the main thing is you need to develop your argument and prove your point with concrete examples, which you started to do with Mother Theresa, animal cruelty, and acts of violence. but you need to expand on these issues and explain exactly WHAT is good or bad about them. also, i think you should investigate more into the true meanings of your terms. Is everything white or black? not everything can be either completely cruel, or completely kind. Why do people behave cruelly? what do they get out of it? I mean, think about a very common debate: euthanasia. Is it always cruel to take someone's life? even if they want to die? furthermore, who decides what is kind or what is cruel? I personally believe it depends on the intent of the actor. Bad guys in movies never believe they are being evil. They're always trying to help at least themselves. Adolf Hitler was simply trying to restore the former greatness of the state of Germany. Is that really so cruel? Okay, what's cruel about it? Delve further into the actual topic, and the many questions that could rise from it. Ethics have been studied since the days of Aristotle, and it's good that you're exploring them. Just think about it a lot. Lots of the things you said were a bit obvious. But there is a lot of potential here to create a mind-bottling essay.
-Avery Zbieroski
Final Comparison (posted March 9 -- Peer Response March 11)
Cruelty and kindness are completely opposite things. Kindness demonstrates all the good things a human being can be while cruelty, the malicious side while both can be human actions they initiate opposite responses. Cruelty is anything causing pain or suffering, being an action, personality trait or emotion this deliberately causes someone else harm. Kindness remains a self-less act of compassion, while still lying in the categories as cruelty this allows for people to understand human empathy while displaying thought and genuine feelings of happiness and benevolence.
Cruelty is shown through anger, hate and belittlement the reaction to this behavior or action is never good. Often cruelty is met with cruelty, the actions received are often returned by the person involved, these emotions and actions affect the people around you and ultimately create a persona for the person and develop into your personality as well. Kindness creates the counter-affect that cruelty has, kindness is responded to by genuine happy feelings and overall well-being of both people involved. It is also a characteristic demonstrated by actions or emotions, like cruelty it can also become part of your personality.
Mother Theresa was a “kind person” through her charity and leadership she was kind, but she also showed her kindness in the actions she completed. These actions shown create a kind person but they do not however define the character you are. Kind people may make cruel decisions and it does not always appear so crystal clear to see. Every situation cannot be deemed completely kind or completely cruel. In “Beloved” by Toni Morrison we read of a woman killing her children so that they would not have to live the same life she did in slavery. Is this then an act of cruelty as she took a life or an act of complete kindness out of the love and prosperity she wants for her children? Reasons and situations like these are why we are conflicted in our condemnation of these acts, selflessness of the actor yet cruelty of the child.
Both of these contain many things that are alike, both characteristics if executed in a severe way can be widely publicized. Many of us have seen images on TV or new shows about the cruelty of animals or a shooting at a college; these show just how deeply cruelty can affect the world. The news of these horrible events causes many to raise awareness to cause change so that events like this cannot happen. Kindness is developed through this by events like these people come together for the greater good of the cause so that they can help and lend a hand. Things like these are well publicized too, the walk against breast cancer, Reggie’s sleep out and many other events show how well a community or person can demonstrated their kindness.
Cruelty and Kindness develop a persona for the individual they are carried out by. As I develop as a human being I’ve made cruel and kind decisions, not intentionally but carried throughout my day. The decisions made have a counter positive or negative effects on the people around us, along with human morality the actions made are taken as being cruel or kind. I believe that if an action is cruel it is deliberately carried out with intent to harm by the person initiating it. Kindness remains constant in that it morally stabilizes human happiness and allows for compassion to be a part of everyday life.
Both of these initiate different responses and are very opposite things. Cruelty is the evil devil while kindness seems to be the angel, everyone fights to stay between the two sitting on your shoulder, these can help to describe your personality, actions your make, or emotions you give out. Cruelty is any belittlement, malicious action, or hate while Kindness is gentle, providing and supportive. These aspects of humanity remain to play counter roles in our lives every day and consistently influence the choices we make.
EXTRA CREDIT: 4TH REVISION OF COMPARISON ESSAY
Cruelty and kindness are completely opposite things. Kindness demonstrates all the good things a human being can be while cruelty, the malicious side. Both can be human actions but initiate opposite responses. Cruelty is anything causing pain or suffering, being an action, personality trait or emotion this deliberately causes someone else harm. Kindness remains a self-less act of compassion, and allows for people to understand human empathy while displaying thought and genuine feelings of happiness and benevolence. Both of these traits can be shown in actions, thoughts and words.
Cruelty is shown through anger, hate and belittlement the reaction to this trait is never good. Often cruelty is met with cruelty, the actions received are often returned by the people involved, these emotions and actions affect the people around you and ultimately create a persona for the person and develop into your personality as well. Kindness creates the counter-affect that cruelty has, kindness is responded to by genuine happy feelings and overall well-being of both people involved. It is also a characteristic demonstrated by actions or emotions, like cruelty it can also become part of your personality. The persona one develops is created through how situations are handled, no matter what one has the choice to react in a kind manner or respond with a vile cruel response. In every conversation, action, and thought we have the choice to make this decision. Through friends and family one’s character is developed, surrounding oneself with those who are kind and compassionate will provide one with the strength to develop the kindness for others within themselves.
Mother Theresa was a “kind person” through her charity and leadership she became a role model and developed the trait of kindness; however she also showed this in the actions she completed. These actions shown create a kind person but they do not however define the character you are. Kind people may make cruel decisions and it does not always appear so crystal clear to see. Every situation cannot be deemed completely kind or completely cruel. In “Beloved” by Toni Morrison we read of a woman killing her children so that they would not have to live the same life she did in slavery. Is this then an act of cruelty as she took a life or an act of complete kindness out of the love and prosperity she wants for her children? Reasons and situations like these are why we are conflicted in our condemnation of these acts, selflessness of the actor yet cruelty of the child. The morality of world issues and emotional connection make these situations complicated. Through both kindness and cruelty one is conflicted with a combination in the actions they respond with. Not condemning one for actions that in our eyes seem horrifying yet to theirs seem normal may be an act of kindness in itself.
Both of these contain many things that are alike, both characteristics if executed in a severe way can be widely publicized. Many of us have seen images on TV or new shows about the cruelty of animals or a shooting at a college; these show just how deeply cruelty can affect the world. The news of these horrible events causes many to raise awareness to cause change so that events like this cannot happen. Kindness is developed through this by events like these people come together for the greater good of the cause so that they can help and lend a hand. Things like these are well publicized too, the walk against breast cancer, Reggie’s sleep out and many other events show how well a community or person can demonstrated their kindness. In a twisted way, cruelty allows kindness to become more prevalent in society. Although there was a tragedy maybe it brought attention to an issue that was otherwise unnoticed. In kindness compassion and love are displayed, through these many may find healing in the midst of great loss.
Cruelty and Kindness develop a persona for the individual they are carried out by. As I develop as a human being I’ve made cruel and kind decisions, not intentionally but carried out in my day. The decisions made have a counter positive or negative effects on the people around us, along with human morality the actions made are taken as being cruel or kind. However, that does not mean I’m a cruel person. Everyone makes mistakes and regrets things that they have done, this is why such things as forgiveness and grace are around. In kindness, one is allowed the ability to forgive those who have been cruel and in grace move on from what has happened in the past. Kindness remains constant in that it morally stabilizes human happiness and allows for compassion to be a part of everyday life.
Both of these initiate different responses and are very opposite things. Cruelty is the evil devil while kindness seems to be the angel, everyone fights to stay between the two sitting on your shoulder, these can help to describe your personality, actions your make, or emotions you give out. Cruelty is any belittlement, malicious action, or hate while Kindness is gentle, providing and supportive. These aspects of humanity remain to play counter roles in our lives every day and consistently influence the choices we make.
Reflection #2 (posted March 16 -- Peer Response March 25)I think that this essay was a good building essay to do off the last one. I felt like essay was hard to structure because we never really learmed how to affectly influence the audience to understand the points we are trying to make.I got confused when i was writing it myself because my points go back and forth so many times.
I feel like we need more feedback and time to revise not by our peers because no one knows how to do it or cares enough to do it.
Rough Draft Argument (posted April 6 -- Peer Response April 8)
Kindness is greatly displayed through acts of charity, in philanthropic volunteering and giving money to fund others work, it remains a key component to keeping charities going. However, kindness can be corruptive in the idea of charity. In many ways one can be promoting their own agenda instead of wanting to serve the good of the people they are helping. Those ideas and reasons for contributing change the idea and selflessness of volunteering into an idea it shouldn’t be.
In many charity cases there are religious aspects, promoting religion is the number one type of charity work in America today, these people wouldn’t necessary be helping if they weren’t trying to persuade people into their beliefs. Mission trips to Africa, building school and spreading gospel while fixing food allows for a window into these peoples’ lives. The role of mission work allows for believers to share the good work of god while also providing a reason for the generosity. Others many use charity to make themselves feel better, do they volunteer because they care about random strangers they will never see again? Or is it because of the article that came out last week stating your lifestyle and life expectancy will be longer if you volunteer more? The true fact is, there are lots of good people who want to help and share their caring nature with those in need, but after a long day of volunteer work you feel good about yourself. This is the reason I believe many continue to volunteer. Of course helping those in true need will make you feel good and give you a great satisfaction, yet isn’t it that same satisfaction that make you go back the next week to continue. Many reasons provide adequate for those to go back and still more people give money every year to get more tax right offs.
Kindness is a selfless act, carried out by love and generosity. In volunteering these same factors should remain. Today, society has made charity out to be a ‘good feeling’ not understanding the real meaning and true affect it has we are played into the selfish thing our world has made it. Kindness has been corrupted through thoughts and ideas contained within volunteering and how the America portrays it.
Revision Argument (posted April 13 -- Peer Response April 15)
Kindness is greatly displayed through acts of charity, in philanthropic volunteering and giving money to fund others work, it remains a key component to keeping charities going. However, it can be corruptive in the idea of charity. In many ways one can be promoting their own agenda instead of wanting to serve the good of the people they are helping. An act of charity should be helping others out of the goodness of one’s heart. Those ideas and reasons for contributing change the idea and selflessness of volunteering into an idea it shouldn’t be.
In many charity cases there are religious aspects, promoting religion is the number one type of charity work in America today, these people wouldn’t necessary be helping if they weren’t trying to persuade people into their beliefs. Mission trips to Africa, building religious schools and spreading gospel while fixing food allows for a window into these peoples’ lives. The role of mission work allows for believers to share the good work of god while also providing a reason for their generosity. Others may use charity to make themselves feel better, do they volunteer because they care about random strangers they will never see again? The graciousness of these people allows for the good of the cause to be accomplished, is that what we want though. If the ultimate goal is to feed one thousand people, does it matter what the volunteers does it really matter why the volunteers are there to serve them? The point of volunteer work is not only to create a better life for those your helping, but make a change within oneself.
As I’ve volunteered over the years, I can without a doubt say that volunteering with an open caring heart changed me. Once you put yourself in that situation to help others, you can look at yourself and see how selfish you have become. To do it because you feel good about yourself is not justified to do it in my view. The work I do through Sheroes, Sharks and through my church has allowed me to build and know kindness through the work I do.
The true fact is, there are lots of good people who want to help and share their caring nature with those in need, but after a long day of volunteer work you feel good about yourself. This is the reason I believe many continue to volunteer. Of course helping those in true need will make you feel good and give you a great satisfaction, yet isn’t it that same satisfaction that make you go back the next week to continue. Many reasons provide adequate for those to go back and still more people give money every year to get more tax right offs. Charity is one thing that remains a constant thing in our world everyone needs help somewhere along the line, the reasons to become a volunteer should be just to help them out of the kindness of ones heart.
Kindness is a selfless act, carried out by love and generosity. In volunteering these same factors should remain. Today, society has made charity out to be a ‘good feeling’ not understanding the real meaning and true affect it has we are played into the selfish thing our world has made it. Everyone can volunteer but the reasons you do it should be out of the generousity of your heart, not for a prior motive. Kindness has been corrupted through thoughts and ideas contained within volunteering and how the America portrays it.
Final Argument (posted April 20 -- Peer Response April 23)
Kindness is greatly displayed through acts of charity, in philanthropic volunteering and giving money to fund others work, it remains a key component to keeping charities going. However,kindness can be corruptive in the idea of charity. In many ways one can be promoting their own agenda instead of wanting to serve the good of the people they are helping. An act of charity should be helping others out of the goodness of one’s heart. Those ideas and reasons for contributing change the idea and selflessness of volunteering into an idea it shouldn’t be.
In many charity cases there are religious aspects, promoting religion is the number one type of charity work in America today, these people wouldn’t necessarily be helping if they weren’t trying to persuade people into their beliefs. Mission trips to Africa, building religious schools and spreading gospel while fixing food allows for a window into these peoples’ lives. The role of mission work allows for believers to share the good work of god while also providing a reason for their generosity. By appealing to strangers that kindness is a major component in their faith many may find these acts even more convincing then the scripture itself.
The true fact is, there are lots of good people who want to help and share their caring nature with those in need, but after a long day of volunteer work you feel good about yourself. This is the reason I believe many continue to volunteer. Of course helping those in true need will make you feel good and give you a great satisfaction, yet isn’t it that same satisfaction that make you go back the next week to continue.Others may use charity to make themselves feel better, do they volunteer because they care about random strangers they will never see again? Many reasons provide adequate for those to go back and still more people give money every year to get more tax right offs.
The graciousness of these people allows for the good of the cause to be accomplished, is that what we want though. If the ultimate goal is to feed one thousand people, does it matter what the volunteers does it really matter why the volunteers are there to serve them? The point of volunteer work is not only to create a better life for those your helping, but make a change within oneself. Charity is one thing that remains a constant thing in our world everyone needs help somewhere along the line, the reasons to become a volunteer should be just to help them out of the kindness of ones heart.
As I’ve volunteered over the years, I can without a doubt say that volunteering with an open caring heart changed me. Once you put yourself in that situation to help others, you can look at yourself and see how selfish you have become. To do it because you feel good about yourself is not justified to do it in my view. Volunteer work is what this should spark in people, these sense of kindness within your character and the act of doing it onto others.The work I do through Sheroes, Sharks and through my church has allowed me to build and know this kindness through the work I do.
Kindness is a selfless act, carried out by love and generosity. In volunteering these same factors should remain. Today, society has made charity out to be a ‘good feeling’ not understanding the real meaning and true affect it has we are played into the selfish thing our world has made it. Everyone can volunteer but the reasons you do it should be out of the generousity of your heart, not for a prior motive. Kindness has been corrupted through thoughts and ideas contained within volunteering and how the America portrays it.
Reflection #3 (posted April 23)
This essay was harder for me to do because of the claim and counter claims This was har because we had to find evidence and with my topic it was hard to find a contraversary topic. Also this was hard to keep the consistant point provent through the entire essay.